A series of compact and bushy shrubs to 60cm tall. In summer they bear flowers formed of papery, petal-like bracts in shades of pink and purple. They require the protection of a temperate glasshouse or conservatory, although potted plants can be moved outside in the summer months
1-1.5 metres
0.1-0.5 metres
| Season | Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||||
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Grow in pots of loam-based compost such as John Innes No.3. Bougainvilleas need a bright position but protect them from direct summer sun. Plants can be moved outside for summer. Increase watering from spring as the plants start back into active growth and apply a balanced liquid feed until the bracts show colour, then switch to a high potassium feed. Decrease watering and cease feeding in autumn. Maintain a minimum night temperature of 10°C. See bougainvillea cultivation for further information
Propagate by layering in early spring, or by semi-ripe cuttings in summer or hardwood cuttings with bottom heat in winter
See pruning group 12
May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite, mealybugs, aphids and glasshouse whitefly
Generally disease-free